Musicians Institute Instructor Spotlight: Audio Engineer T.J. Helmerich

Feb 1, 2023 | In The Know

While T.J. Helmerich is primarily working as an instructor in Musicians Institute’s Audio Engineering program, he is just as skilled as a guitarist and vocalist. We always take pride in the fact that most, if not all, of our instructors are actively working music professionals out of the classroom. We believe their experience and expertise is one of the things that really makes MI’s music education stand out above the rest. On that note, we love to share the accomplishments of our instructors as they work in the industry.

In January 2023, Helmerich was featured on Guitar World in an article titled, Get to grips with eight-finger tapping with this lesson on master guitarist TJ Helmerich, which you can read here. 

He is also part of guitarist Jan Rivera’s debut album, Existential Paranoia, having mixed and mastered the entire, which you can listen to here.

We caught up with T.J. to discuss his journey to Musicians Institute, his career and other things in between. Read more below!

Request Info

Blog Post

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form

TURN YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC INTO A CAREER

Enter your info below for program options, scholarships, and next steps, or call us at 800-255-7259
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By submitting this form, I authorize Musicians Institute (MI) to make or allow the placement of calls, emails, and texts to me at the phone number that I have provided, including through the use of automated technology, or a prerecorded or artificial voice. I understand that I am not required to provide my phone number as a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services. I agree to the terms of MI’s Privacy Policy. MI will not sell or rent your information to third parties, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

How did your journey lead you to being faculty at Musicians Institute? What are some of your career highlights/credits?

I came MI to meet people originally. I met Paul Gilbert who was on the label I wanted to be signed to. He told the label and I was signed within the first few months! After MI, I was hired as a guitar instructor for “8 finger“ playing. I also worked as an engineer at Cherokee Studios for 5 years, which eventually lead to developing and spearheading the Recording Program at MI.
[I ran] the department for 10 years, while teaching in both guitar and vocal departments.
I’ve engineered and mixed for Jeff Beck, Ron Wood, Neville Bros, “Friday” the movie, and was Grammy nominated for “Zappa plays Zappa.”
[Editors note: You can check his full credits here : https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tj-helmerich-mn0000743077]

What’s been your favorite memories of teaching at MI?

My best memories … and future memories, are having the chance to work alongside some of the most incredible players and people on the planet. And of all I do- Engineering, Guitar, Vocals- the only thing I KNOW I’m any good at is teaching! The others are in the “… only as good as your last gig” category!
But teaching, above all, has given and taught me the most important life lessons…I can teach anyone, from anywhere, anytime.
The only difference is in the explanation. How to reach them and make them believe in themselves. Teaching me first hand that everybody on this planet truly equal. I knew this before, was raised with that belief… but having lived it first hand has has humbled me and brought the most satisfaction of all. I AM a teacher.

What advice do you have to audio engineers (or any musicians) looking to land their first big gigs?

My advice to students is:
Believe in your abilities to become successful, like you believe in your songwriting.
Don’t worry about it! Know. Know you and your craft is important. Beyond money, you are a messenger of music, and it must be delivered to others you may never know. But what did music do for you? Change your life maybe? That’s how important your music is for someone else. 33 years of teaching at MI and now my daughter attends the same school I attended! Thank you MI for a life with purpose.

Musicians Institute is the leader in contemporary music education offering certificates to Masters degrees in programs spanning instrument performance, electronic production, music business, and everything in between.

For more information on all programs offered, please visit here: mi.edu/programs/

For more information on MI Online programs, please visit here: mi.edu/programs/mi-online/

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This